Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Electronic Health Records (EHR) are digital versions of patients' paper charts. They contain comprehensive patient medical histories, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results, and can be accessed by authorized healthcare providers across different healthcare settings.

EHR systems are designed to streamline the sharing of patient information among healthcare professionals, enhancing the coordination and quality of care. They facilitate real-time access to patient records, which can lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses and treatments. EHRs also support various administrative functions, such as scheduling appointments, billing, and generating reports. Additionally, they contribute to improved patient safety by reducing medical errors through features like computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and clinical decision support systems (CDSS). By integrating with other health information technologies, EHRs enable comprehensive data analysis and population health management, which can inform public health decisions and policy-making. Despite their many advantages, the transition to EHR systems can be challenging, requiring significant investment in technology, training, and change management.